#35: 5 Things I Learned From My Nightmare Virtual Assistant Experience

Sometimes, you get so caught up in the grind that you don't realize you're working 24/7. Especially, when you love what you do. When you keep going, and going, and going, without a break, it's easy to burn out. The lesson I'm currently learning is, it's okay to hit the pause button, and it's okay to take time to re-group. In today's Encounter, I tell you what's been going on behind the scenes, and I also share a big announcement. Thank you for tuning in! Be sure to tell me what you think at ElaineZlaket.com.

Stephynie Malik became emancipated at the age of 15, and she worked hard to become one of the youngest directors in the Silicon Valley. In her 25 year career, she's been involved with 11 start-ups globally, she's successfully ran a global consulting firm for nearly 16 years, she's spearheaded multi-million dollar acquisitions, closed global deals, she's made multiple companies hundreds of millions of dollars... And she's done all of this, all while being a mom. In today's Encounter, Stephynie really does show us that anything is possible!

It's true. I recently had a horrible experience with a virtual assistant that I hired. And yes, I wasn't completely comfortable hiring someone in the first place. Maybe you're struggling with the same thing and you're scared to hand over all of your tasks, login details, and personal information to someone else. After all, no one can get the work done like you, right? If you're feeling or thinking anything I just stated, then this Encounter is for you! Be sure to tell me what you think at ElaineZlaket.com.

Norine Vanderhooven is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker that specializes in EMDR Therapy. Her areas of expertise are are depression, anxiety, suicidal thoughts, and women's issues. In today's Encounter, Norine and I discuss how suicide is on the rise, and what to do if you, or someone you know, is experiencing depression or suicidal thoughts. Today's Encounter is meant to be a resource. So, please share it. It may save somebody's life. National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 1-800-273-8255.

Have you ever thought to yourself, "How does she do it?  She's a successful business owner, her marriage seems perfect, and she's got two kids??" I find myself thinking those thoughts often. And not in an envious, jealous kind of a way (I ain't that kinda girl). I really just genuinely want to know her secrets. In today's Encounter, we get to hear how salon owner Jessica Pierce, balances being a wife and a mom, while being a successful entrepreneur. Whether you think you've got it all together, or you feel like you're struggling to figure it out, I think we all could benefit from some awesome busy mom/driven woman/I want to do it all life hacks. Especially if it saves you time, money, heartache, stress, anxiety, tears of frustration, late night donut binges, (fill in the blank).

Ellie Laks is the Founder of The Gentle Barn Foundation, a national organization that rescues and rehabilitates unwanted animals, and heals people with the same stories of abuse and neglect. In today's Encounter (Part 2 of a 2-Part Series), Ellie shares how her deep connection with animals inspired her to fight for who she is, and how it also motivated her to bring her life's work to fruition.  https://www.gentlebarn.org/

Ellie Laks is the Founder of The Gentle Barn Foundation, a national organization that rescues and rehabilitates unwanted animals, and heals people with the same stories of abuse and neglect. She is a celebrated animal welfare advocate, a humane educator, and the author of the book "My Gentle Barn: Creating a sanctuary where animals heal and children learn to hope." In today's Encounter, Ellie shares how she overcame some of the darkest times in her life, and how her deep connection with animals has helped her to realize her life's work.

Feeling out of alignment is something that we all experience. In today's encounter, I share with you some tips, and actionable steps, that I like incorporate when I'm feeling "off." My hope is that these tips will help you to feel more aligned as well. Be sure to tell me what you think over at ElaineZlaket.com.

In last week's encounter, Kelly shared how she experienced a traumatic event, that ultimately drove her to take a 6-week break from her "regular" life. In today's encounter, Kelly explains how this long trip away helped her to hone in on her Soul Hustle, and how she's bringing this mission to fruition. She gives us a sneak peak in to her current world, as she's still working a full-time job while cultivating this Soul Hustle. We also talk about topics like failure, overcoming your fears, and what to do when things don't go the way that you had planned. Tune in and tell me what you think at ElaineZlaket.com.  

In Part 1 of this 2-Part Series, Kelly Snider explains how a traumatic event in her life propelled her to take a 6-week detox from her job, and her "regular life." She also shares where she went, how she was able to take such a long break, and we get to learn about the revelations that she experienced while she was on this expedition of self-discovery. Today's encounter is filled with a ton of valuable lessons and I'm thrilled that you get to connect with my good friend and with such a beautiful soul, Kelly Snider. Be sure to tell me what you think at ElaineZlaket.com.